University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said a national search for “the next great leader of Pitt Athletics” will begin immediately to replace Scott Barnes, who has accepted the athletic director post at Oregon State.
Barnes will work closely with the Chancellor to assure a smooth transition in coming weeks.
“Scott Barnes is an outstanding athletic director and has been wholeheartedly committed to the success of our student-athletes during his time at Pitt,” Gallagher said. “I am very sorry to see him leave, but I know that Scott is doing what is best for his family, and I wish them well as he takes on his new role at Oregon State.”
Gallagher noted the exciting momentum achieved by Pitt Athletics in recent months. The fall season witnessed the football team earn signature victories over Penn State and Clemson en route to a national Top 25 ranking. Coach Pat Narduzzi will lead the Panthers into the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Northwestern in New York City later this month. Additionally, the women’s volleyball program, led by Coach Dan Fisher, advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. This past month the Panthers’ winter sports seasons began with similar aspirations for lofty achievements.
“My focus now turns to building the next chapter in Pitt Athletics,” Gallagher said. “We are launching a national search to identify the next great leader of our athletics program—one that helps offer student-athletes both a great education and a chance to win at the highest levels of collegiate sports.”
Barnes, a native of Spokane, Wash., was named Pitt’s athletic director on April 24, 2015.
“Upon accepting the athletic director position at the University of Pittsburgh more than 18 months ago, I mentioned how honored and humbled my family was to join the ‘Pitt Family,’” Barnes said. “During our time here, we’ve learned, more and more, how fitting that description really is. Pitt is an incredibly special place with wonderful people who have become like family for us.
“That’s why leaving the university to accept the athletic director position at Oregon State was such a difficult decision. Ultimately, we felt this was a choice we had to make based on some very important personal family considerations.
“The University of Pittsburgh is a world-class institution with tremendous history. But I sincerely believe the university’s future under the leadership of Chancellor Gallagher will be even more accomplished. I also know that Pitt Athletics is poised for great achievements and championships. It has been an honor to serve Pitt’s student-athletes and staff. Although we are moving on, I can assure you the people of Pitt will always be an important part of us.”